Naameh Landfill to Close Permanently in 2015 as State Set to Tackle Crisis of Solid Waste

Environment Minister Mohammed al-Mashnouq stressed on Tuesday that al-Naameh landfill will be shut down in 2015 indefinitely, pointing out that a crisis plan will be set to deal with the crisis of solid waste in the country.

“We should focus on the main issues out of our keenness to safeguard the health of the citizens,” Mashnouq said in comments published in al-Liwaa newspaper.

The Lebanese state pledged to close Naameh landfill for good the moment the extended contract ends on January 17, 2015.

In January, the residents of areas nearby the Naameh dumpster blocked the roads leading to the landfill, arguing that its affecting their health and complained of what they described as bad living conditions.

The protesters prevented Sukleen dump trucks from entering the landfill, calling on the state to resolve the matter.

Garbage in Beirut and Mount Lebanon piled up on roadsides for days.

Mashnouq said that the first cabinet session at the Baabda Palace will not discuss the matter, unless Prime Minister Tammam Salam tackled the Naameh landfill issue from out of the government’s agenda.

“The cabinet will address the crisis the treatment of solid waste as a whole and not only the Naameh landfill,” the minister added.

Salam's government, which garnered the support of 96 out of 101 lawmakers who attended last week's parliamentary vote, will hold its first meeting on Thursday with 76 articles on its agenda.